Freddie Sears has told WHUTV of his shock at the moment he realised he was about to make his West Ham United debut.
The 18-year-old only found out on Saturday that he was going to be a substitute against Blackburn Rovers, although he had been given an inkling on Friday that he may even start before Bobby Zamora passed a late fitness test. Sears had already received a rapturous welcome from the Boleyn Ground faithful - including Sir Geoff Hurst and Sir Trevor Brooking - when he limbered up on the touchline in the first half but nothing could prepare him for the call when it came from Alan Curbishley.
"I was pleased to be there but when he said 'Freddie warm up, get ready', I was a bit shocked - it just went from there," the England Under-19 international said. "I weren't nervous. The atmosphere and the fans spurred me on a little bit more. It was really good." Once Sears entered the fray in the 74th minute, his all-action approach was soon apparent with a huge cheer greeting the homegrown talent's efforts in chasing down a Blackburn defender who was dallying on the ball.
CLICK HERE TO SEE SEARS SPEAK ON WHUTV
That was nothing though compared to his goal, little more than five minutes after first stepping on to the pitch, which he celebrated with a crossed Hammers salute to acknowledge his lifelong love of the claret and blue. He said: "It was the best thing that could have happened. I come on, got my first early touch. Then I had a shot and it come back so I headed it in. It was a great feeling. It was unbelievable ... especially at home as well at Upton Park as a West Ham fan."
The homegrown talent had plenty of support on the day, revealing "my mum and dad were in the stands, a few friends and family and my mates were all around" and in typically unassuming fashion summed up his day by claiming - "I am delighted, it was a good debut." His team-mates were also quick to show their acclaim, with the likes of fellow Academy graduates Anton Ferdinand and Mark Noble running to him at the final whistle. "They have all signed the matchball for me - all with little comments," he said. "That is great."
Sears showed penmanship of his own when inking a new deal with the club at the start of the week and finished it in the best way possible. The Hornchurch-based youngster told whufc.com last month he dreamed of running out in front of the fans at some point in the future but having done that and more, he will not rest. "You have just got to keep going, you have got to keep pushing on. This season I have worked hard. I have to keep pushing on and hopefully you never know what could happen."
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